175 Can’t Focus? Stop Mind Reading Others So That You Play To Your Strengths

Episode 175 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast is for athletes, coaches or parents that fall into the trap of spending too much time mind reading others and making faulty assumptions meaning that they struggle to focus on the task in hand and perform to their optimum.  Typical behaviours in sport that can be associated with those who look to seek social approach: they often go into their shells, their body language can be poor, they’re communication is often impacted, they don’t like attention and they can let games and matches pass them by. Key Learning Points: Social media use can arguably mean people become very impressionable, at an unconscious level without realising. Seeking social approval and fear of failure can complicate our thoughts. Judgement mode can be difficult for some people where they often judge themselves and their performances harshly and spend a lot of time thinking about how others will respond to them. Being able to accept, that thoughts about what others may be thinking, is normal, can help you. Seek to understand why you get drawn into worrying so much about what others think about you when you play.  What is it costing you? What are the benefits?    Connect with David Charlton Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn Relevant Podcast Episodes To Help Athletes Who Crave Social Approval Ep017: Gio Valiante – How to Play Fearless Golf Ep095: David Charlton – David on Being Tough Vs Being Comfortable in Your Own Skin Final Part  Ep112: David Charlton – How to Deal with Physical Insecurities as a Young Athlete Ep131 David Charlton – How to Deal with Self-Criticism using Self Compassion – FINAL PART Ep142: Alessia Bruno – Is Striving for Perfection a Good Thing in Gymnastics? Other Relevant Blogs And Resources To Benefit the Athlete Who Worries About Others Blog: Coach Development Helping Athletes Overcome Fear Of Failure Blog: 5 Ways To Create A Psychological Safe Sporting Environment Blog: Body Image in Sport Blog: How To Play Well When You Aren’t Feeling Great Blog: Does Your Warm Up Influence How You Perform?